A2 teams begin taking next step

2/7/2007

Members of A2 district assessment teams offered worlds of praise for the “next step” gathering sponsored by the Mississippi Conference’s Office of Congregational Development on Jan. 20 at BriarwoodUnitedMethodistChurch in Jackson.

Embra Jackson, who works with congregational development for the conference staff, consultant Shane Stanford and facilitator Elaine Dye coordinated the training. The Rev. John Southwick, a researcher for the General Board of Global Ministries, led a session entitled “Using Demographic Data in Your Church’s Ministry.” Some 43 people attended the event.

The purpose of the gathering was to review each district’s A2 assessment results and begin to help resource churches so that transformation can occur. One of the highlights of the gathering was the introduction of the SMART Plan (now ACTS 29 Plan) compiled by Jackson as a tool to assist churches in developing their ministry plans. Another highlight was the sharing of stories from various districts.

Plans for the conference’s TransformationLeadershipSchool scheduled for the fall were also discussed.

The day concluded with a commissioning service for district A2 teams.

Jackson, Stanford and Dye have begun coordinating district and local church training events. Contact them for information or assistance by calling 601-948-4561 or 1-866-647-7486, ext. 23.

The Mississippi Annual Conference—empowered by love, generosity, justice and apprenticeship—forms spiritual leaders, faith communities and connections so more disciples of Jesus Christ transform the world.